Description
This Baked Cheesy Mexican Taco Casserole is a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Layers of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses come together with crunchy tortilla chips and zesty salsa, creating a deliciously comforting casserole with a Mexican flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness.
- Add Seasoning and Vegetables: Stir in the taco seasoning mix, following the package instructions for adding water or cooking time. Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn to the skillet. Mix thoroughly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Layer Chips: Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a crunchy base layer.
- Add Beef Mixture: Spoon the cooked beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the layer of tortilla chips.
- Add Cheese Layers: Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and half of the Monterey Jack cheese over the beef mixture to add rich, melty cheese flavor.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining crushed tortilla chips on top, followed by the rest of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for a thick cheesy top layer.
- Add Salsa: Pour salsa evenly over the top layer of cheese, adding moisture and zest to the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted to perfection.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and cilantro for fresh flavor and color.
- Serve: Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream, if desired, for extra creaminess and tang.
Notes
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium taco seasoning and rinse canned beans thoroughly.
- For a spicier casserole, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Vegetarian option: substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
- Make ahead tip: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Use homemade salsa or a quality store-bought salsa for best flavor.
